- Written by Tim Burden
How to create a gallery wall with eye-catching art and thoughtful design
How to create a gallery wall: essential steps for a stunning display
Creating a striking display of artwork in your home starts with understanding how to create a gallery wall. This stylish design feature is a fantastic way to transform a blank space into a captivating focal point. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to create a gallery wall that’s not only beautiful but also thoughtfully curated and well-balanced.
Unlike some guides that focus solely on inspiration, this post is a hands-on, step-by-step manual for achieving a gallery wall that looks professional and polished. Whether you’re a DIY pro or a first timer, you’ll find everything you need to know right here.
We understand there’s more than one way to approach how to create a gallery wall. Our tried-and-tested method ensures a cohesive and impactful result. Our practical yet creative approach will guide you from the initial planning stages right through to hanging each piece with precision. By following our advice, you can confidently build a display that’s visually striking and deeply personal.
Wondering where to place your new gallery wall? Ideal locations include expansive, underused walls that may feel disconnected from the rest of your decor. Hallways, staircases, or empty living room walls are perfect candidates. A well-designed gallery wall can inject energy and personality into these spaces. It will make them feel intentional and inviting.
In this detailed guide, you’ll learn how to create a gallery wall step by step. We’ll start by exploring design and layout strategies, followed by expert tips on choosing artwork and frames. Finally, we’ll share our best advice for securely and accurately hanging each piece to achieve a flawless finish.
By the end of this guide, you’ll have all the knowledge and confidence you need to turn a plain wall into a stunning gallery that reflects your personal style. So if you’re ready, let’s dive in and discover how to create a gallery wall that truly transforms your home.
Planning your gallery wall from measurements to scale mockup
When it comes to planning and designing a gallery wall, there are various ways to approach it. In this guide on how to create a gallery wall, we’ll walk you through one of the key methods we use. Once you’ve chosen the perfect wall, start by measuring it carefully. Next, sketch it out – either on squared paper or, ideally, using a design tool like SketchUp or AutoCAD. At this stage, keep it simple. Use rectangles to represent the outer size of each frame. Move these around on the “wall” until you’re happy with the arrangement. Be sure to factor in any nearby furniture that could influence the layout.
One of the best things about gallery walls is their versatility. When learning how to create a gallery wall, remember that you can be flexible and creative. While you can break traditional design rules, a few guiding principles will help your display look cohesive. For example, we often build gallery walls around two or three core themes to create a unified look. This is something that’s crucial when designing personalised spaces. Recently, we designed a gallery wall inspired by three key ideas: a love for big cats, oriental art influences, and the room’s colour palette (yellow, pink, and blue). By weaving these themes throughout the artwork and ensuring a balance of colours across the layout, we achieved a visually harmonious result that complemented the room beautifully.
Ultimately, your choice of images and layout is a personal decision. This is where your style and the character of your space come into play. Once you’ve finalized your layout, note the overall sizes you’ll need. Estimate the frame and mount sizes accordingly. We typically allow around 40-70mm for the mount and 15-40mm for the frame.
This planning phase may seem lengthy, but it’s essential for success. Whether you’re buying new artwork or reframing pieces you already own, careful planning ensures your gallery wall turns out just right. Using a tool like SketchUp can make this process easier and more enjoyable, helping you achieve the perfect dimensions and proportions for your space. By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to mastering how to create a gallery wall that’s stylish, cohesive, and unique to you.
Working with a framer to get your gallery wall pictures looking just right
By this point, you should have a clear idea of the overall size of each piece. This will include the outer dimensions (which is crucial), as well as a sense of the frame and mount colours for each. A key step in how to create a gallery wall is ensuring each frame feels distinct while still fitting within a cohesive style. We often recommend selecting around three frame finishes. For example, black, gold, and a wood finish. This will achieve a balanced yet varied look across the wall. Mixing these finishes thoughtfully can help your gallery wall feel curated rather than chaotic.
With your design mockup or scale drawing in hand, the next step in how to create a gallery wall is visiting a trusted picture framer. When working with a framer, we like to explain our overall vision. We share the finishes we have in mind while allowing room for their expertise and interpretation. Building a good relationship with your framer can make the process easier, especially if you’re working with someone local who understands your style preferences over time.
Be sure to provide the framer with the exact artwork you’d like framed. Whether that’s prints ordered online, pieces purchased from a gallery or artist, or treasured artworks you already own. Your design mock-up should clearly outline these details to guide the framer’s process.
We often recommend requesting a single or double mount for each frame. Typically in neutral tones like white, off-white, or soft grey. These understated shades allow the artwork itself to shine while adding a clean, sophisticated touch to the overall look. Adding some variety in mount colours and sizes can enhance the eclectic, layered feel that makes a gallery wall so visually appealing.
Once your framed artwork is ready, you’re on to the exciting part! Hanging each piece according to your mock-up and bringing your gallery wall to life. By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to mastering how to create a gallery wall that’s both stylish and personal.
How to create a gallery wall: picture hanging techniques to bring it all to life
Now that you have your artwork beautifully framed, it’s time for the exciting part – hanging your pictures on the wall. A crucial step in how to create a gallery wall is using your scale drawing or mock-up to guide you through this process.
Before you begin, take careful measurements. Measure from the outer edges of your planned gallery wall to the ceiling, floor, and side walls, along with any nearby elements like door frames or furniture. These measurements will help you position everything accurately.
Using a tape measure, mark the outer boundaries of your gallery wall on all four sides with mini post-its. This method protects your wall and allows you to make notes directly on the post-its if needed. Next, choose a reference point in your layout. For instance, the corner of the top middle picture. Mark its precise position on the wall with another post-it.
When hanging your first piece, measure the distance from the top of the artwork to the cord or wire to ensure it’s positioned at the correct height. Also, find the middle point width-wise to keep the piece centered. If you’re working with a stud wall, you can use a picture hook directly. For block walls, a rawl plug and screw will provide a more secure fixing, which is especially important for heavier pieces.
For added stability, consider using two hooks instead of one. Don’t forget to attach felt bumpers to the back of each artwork at the bottom. This keeps the pieces straight and protects your wall from scratches.
Once your first picture is securely in place, repeat the process, working outwards and maintaining consistent spacing between each piece. Remove the post-it notes as you go, and before you know it, your gallery wall will be complete!
By following these steps, you’ll have all the know-how to master how to create a gallery wall that’s beautifully balanced and full of character.
Timothy James Interiors is a bold, eclectic interior designer. We offer interior design services for homeowners in Richmond, Bath and beyond. Explore more of our blogs on interior design or discover our interior design services →
Join the community
Receive the latest studio updates, insights and event information by signing up to our newsletter below!
We respect your privacy
